A remarkable archaeological discovery has recently emerged from the dense jungles of Mexico, where a PhD student stumbled upon a long-lost urban center of the Maya civilization, named Valeriana. Utilizing cutting-edge Lidar technology, experts mapped out this significant find, revealing a complex of pyramids, sports fields, and extensive causeways that signify a vibrant and populated city once thriving from 750 to 850 AD.
PhD Student Accidentally Uncovers Ancient Maya City in Mexican Jungle
PhD Student Accidentally Uncovers Ancient Maya City in Mexican Jungle
Modern laser technology helps archaeologists rediscover the lost urban hub of Valeriana in Campeche, changing perceptions of ancient rainforest civilizations.
Nestled in the southeastern state of Campeche and covering an area comparable to that of a small city, Valeriana is believed to have supported a remarkable population of 30,000 to 50,000 inhabitants at its peak. The initial discovery, credited to Tulane University's Luke Auld-Thomas, was unexpectedly made when he found a corresponding laser survey while searching online for environmental monitoring data. In processing the findings through archaeological methods, he uncovered a hidden city that had eluded the eyes of scholars for centuries.
The archaeological team concluded that Valeriana serves as a critical reminder that tropical regions, often dismissed as areas where civilizations declined, were, in fact, homes to flourishing societies. Profound insights from co-author Professor Marcello Canuto suggest that the complex nature of the Maya civilization contradicts the narrative of their decline, instead reflecting a rich cultural landscape.
Despite the absence of photographic evidence from the city, the researchers envision structures reminiscent of other notable Maya cities like Calakmul. Evidence collected from the area signifies a highly organized settlement with urban planning features, including residential zones, temples for worship, and recreational areas for ancient ball games.
Analysis of Lidar technology revealed a staggering 6,764 structures spread throughout Valeriana, confirming the region's past residential settlement contrary to its current uninhabited appearance. Further research suggests anthropogenic factors contributed to the collapse of this civilization, particularly climate change, leading to an unsustainable population amidst severe drought conditions.
The discovery of Valeriana adds to the growing body of evidence indicating the existence of numerous concealed Maya cities. With advanced surveying techniques such as Lidar, which has revolutionized archaeological exploration, researchers acknowledge that countless sites likely remain hidden beneath the jungle canopy, offering new avenues for future investigation.
The archaeological team concluded that Valeriana serves as a critical reminder that tropical regions, often dismissed as areas where civilizations declined, were, in fact, homes to flourishing societies. Profound insights from co-author Professor Marcello Canuto suggest that the complex nature of the Maya civilization contradicts the narrative of their decline, instead reflecting a rich cultural landscape.
Despite the absence of photographic evidence from the city, the researchers envision structures reminiscent of other notable Maya cities like Calakmul. Evidence collected from the area signifies a highly organized settlement with urban planning features, including residential zones, temples for worship, and recreational areas for ancient ball games.
Analysis of Lidar technology revealed a staggering 6,764 structures spread throughout Valeriana, confirming the region's past residential settlement contrary to its current uninhabited appearance. Further research suggests anthropogenic factors contributed to the collapse of this civilization, particularly climate change, leading to an unsustainable population amidst severe drought conditions.
The discovery of Valeriana adds to the growing body of evidence indicating the existence of numerous concealed Maya cities. With advanced surveying techniques such as Lidar, which has revolutionized archaeological exploration, researchers acknowledge that countless sites likely remain hidden beneath the jungle canopy, offering new avenues for future investigation.
